What food craving really means?

Always craving for sweets? Forever reaching out for yet that packet of greasy crisps?

This could be your body's way of telling you to stock up on vitamins and minerals, claim nutritionist Joanna Hall and Nadine Masseron of the British Naturopathic Association in an article. These are the healthy alternatives they feel you could opt for.

You're craving: Burgers, chips and takeaways

Your body wants: Salt

"When your body is working hard, through exercise, stress or even working in an air-conditioned office, it loses salt," says Hall. "Fast food is an instant way of getting it, but you're taking in more than you need, which restricts your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure, as well as piling on calories."

Dig into : Sushi. This is full of sodium-rich seaweed and fish.

You're craving : Crisps and bread
Your body wants : Protein

"A high metabolism means you burn food quicker so you crave carbs that will fill you up," explains Masseron. "But you'll be hungry again soon after. Protein takes longer to digest, so you'll feel satisfied for longer."

Dig into : Meat, fish, chicken or eggs - have one of them in every meal (and as 50% of your meal portion).

You're craving : Chocolate
Your body wants : Magnesium

"Magnesium helps the body's metabolic system give you energy," says Hall. "When we're tired, chocolate is tempting as it contains magnesium, but sugar will just make you lethargic. Avoid."

Dig into : Nuts, seeds and wholegrain (found in wholemeal bread and porridge).

You're craving : Caffeine
Your body wants : Iron

"Women lose a lot of iron during their menstrual cycle," says Masseron. "If you don't replace it quickly, you'll feel tired because it helps distribute oxygen around the body. You may crave coffee to perk you up, but after the caffeine wears off, you'll feel tired again."

Dig into : Crudités, such as raw broccoli, or dried fruit, such as apricots and figs.


source: Times of India